Vote 'No'
on school millage
As a former Bella Vista resident (from 1966-1979), who now lives in the Gravette School District, I feel compelled to write this letter.
I have heard it said the group opposing the proposed new Gravette Elementary School in Bella Vista is a group of "disgruntled mothers." This is not the fact. I have not had a child in the Gravette schools since 2001; however, I am a concerned taxpayer.
I appreciate everything Bella Vista does for our schools, so this is not about location but about need (or lack of).
There is a huge vote coming up Sept. 16 regarding a proposed tax increase to fund a new Gravette Elementary School in Bella Vista. I urge everyone to learn the facts. This is being sold, by the Gravette School Board members who reside in Bella Vista, as a much needed school, but the numbers, taken directly from the Gravette Schools website, show quite the opposite.
In 2013-2014, these schools housed 821 students; and they are projected to house 835 students in 2022-2023. And, neither is near capacity right now. Plus, the Upper Elementary was built with the capacity to add 3 wings -- as of today, only one wing has been added.
The facts speak for themselves. Granted, there is an option for donated land -- and the millage would pay for the school (although we, the taxpayers, would pay for that with a tax increase), but the fact remains, administrative and clerical staffing of this building would cost between $300,000 and $400,000 per year.
Teachers would be moved from the Gravette Elementary to staff this location -- no additional teachers; again, proof this school is not necessary.
It does not make sound financial sense to spend taxpayers hard-earned money like this. Even with donated land, it will be a hardship on the Gravette School district budget. There are less expensive ways to handle every issue being mentioned. You can check the facts at www.noneednotaxhike.weebly.com.
I encourage everyone to educate themselves on this issue and get out and vote your decision. It is our privilege and responsibility to vote and to hold our elected officials responsible for the manner in which they spend our tax dollars.
Jana Lierly
Gravette
Editorial on 08/27/2014